Meaningfulness in daily life when living with COPD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A narrative exploration of the presence, absence and impact of meaningfulness in the daily lives of those living with palliative care needs arising from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - A qualitative longitudinal study.
IRAS ID
279223
Contact name
Louise Elizabeth Bolton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sheffield
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
STH21565, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 28 days
Research summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects 1.2 million people in the United Kingdom and an estimated 328 million worldwide. The condition causes symptoms including severe breathlessness, persistent cough and production of sputum which impact upon all aspect of daily life. Throughout the progression of the disease, the impact of COPD can lead to social isolation, anxiety and depression. As the disease progresses, the symptoms and effects of COPD become more severe, meaning the need for assessment and relief of these symptoms using a palliative approach is necessary to provide comfort to this patient population.
For some, the symptoms faced when living with COPD causes feelings of hopelessness in daily life and some believe their life has no meaning or purpose. Interventions used to assess and support individuals with other chronic conditions such as heart failure and chronic kidney disease have evaluated as having a positive effect upon feelings of inner peace and a greater sense of wellbeing. An approach beyond managing physical symptoms to address the impact upon individual’s feelings about their existence is currently absent from routine COPD palliative care provision.
Through exploration of how meaningfulness in daily life is present or absent for those living with COPD, healthcare professionals are better informed of how to assess and support this population.
Participants identified as having palliative care needs arising from COPD will be selected for participation within this study. They will be known to NHS COPD services from Nottingham, Sheffield and Rotherham.
Participants will use a selection of artefacts (such as a camera, journal, Dictaphone) to capture their experiences of meaningfulness over a two-month period. Participants will then take part in a narrative interview. The study will be completed by 28th February 2022 and participants will be involved within the study for a period of up to six months.REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NE/0246
Date of REC Opinion
25 Nov 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion